“That’s very unusual,” he said. “That’s why we immediately contacted the hotel, then later, had to reach out to law enforcement.”

Morris’ body was discovered that evening along the Scott Road off-ramp of the southbound I-5.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. Morris,” Beck said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lee’s fiancee and other loved ones. He will be greatly missed by fellow pilots and all employees of Alaska.”

Morris was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics responded at 5:55 p.m. He had been staying at a hotel near the airport, police said.

There were no obvious signs of injury — no gunshot or stab wounds, and no evidence Morris had been struck by a car. His wallet and identification were also with him, indicating that robbery was probably not a motive, according to police.

“But due to the location, we’re treating it as a suspicious death,” Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said.